Saint-Martin, the paradise paradox

Paradise Paradox

Saint-Marteen, small european territory in the middle of the Caribean, divided between France and the Netherlands, has everything of a heavenly island. The wonderful landscapes, the white sandy beaches, and the turquoise blue seas offer all the delicacies of the « perfect tropical island » sought by tourists everywhere.

Beyond this postcard scene, St-Marteen is also an island where extreme wealth and utter destitution live side by side. Close to this idyllic presentation another St-Marteen survives : one of high rate of crime, violence and drug trafficking, as the island is a hub to this type of business due to the geographical situation. The flip side of the coin is poverty. Poverty of the illegal immigrants of course, grouped into ghettos…

Catalina Martin-Chico

French & Spanish photographer. Catalina Martin-Chico studied at the International Center of Photography in New York. She has been documenting Yemen and The Middle East for eight years.